We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicky Lal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicky, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Throughout my life, I’ve set intentions that guide who I am and who I’m becoming. I always knew I wanted to own my own business—something that never felt like work, something I could wake up excited to do every day. I also knew I wanted a career that allowed me to interact with people, build meaningful connections, and create a space where others could feel supported.

Before Pilates, I worked as a graphic designer. But over time, I realized that the moments I felt most energized and fulfilled weren’t happening at my desk. They were happening when I was moving, learning about my body, and experiencing the impact Pilates had on my life. That passion grew quickly, and once I made the decision to shift careers, things seemed to feel more like me. I began to see a path where my work could feel natural, purposeful, and deeply rewarding.

Starting my own business came from the desire to create something that felt true to me—something built with intention, care, and the freedom to shape the experience for both myself and the people I work with. As I continue to grow, my business has become an extension of who I am. I work hard because I genuinely love this work, and pouring that energy into something I’m fully responsible for—and deeply connected to—feels incredibly meaningful.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Fuerza Pilates is the brand I’m building. I focus on training professional athletes, educating Pilates instructors, and working with everyday movers. I truly love what I do, which is why my days feel so rewarding and rarely feel like “work.”

I’m most proud of the fact that I love waking up in the morning and going to work. My clients become part of my life. I care for them and how they feel in their bodies in a way that’s very intimate and requires a huge amount of trust from their side, and I don’t take that lightly.

Every part of my life has helped me get here—from my first job at 15 as a cheerleading assistant coach to becoming a creative director at a modeling agency. Each role taught me how to be more organized, more thoughtful, and more intentional.

Nothing about growth is easy. But what I’ve found to be true about maturing, evolving, and accepting change when it’s needed is this: when I stay close to what feels right and aligned with me, things become less daunting. Things start to move—not by accident, but because I’m clear on what I want and I’m willing to walk toward it.

Setting clear intentions and giving myself a realistic timeline—while allowing myself grace along the way—has been the key to my greatest growth and success.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If someone wanted to experience the L.A. I actually live in, I’d point them toward three things: movement, great food, and the local art scene.

For movement, L.A. has plenty of amazing workout studios—Fuerza 🙂 , The Heated Room in Hollywood, and Silver Springs. They all show the athletic, performance-focused side of the city.

Food is a huge part of life here. Sushi is amazing, with places like Sushi Ginza Onodera, Sushi Tomoki, and Nobu Malibu (mainly for the view). Beyond sushi, Mother Wolf is an easy go-to for great pasta, and Croft Alley is my favorite, especially if you’re looking for a really yummy breakfast. Restaurants like n/naka, Providence, Kali, Camphor, and Orsa & Winston round out how broad L.A.’s dining scene really is.

For art, Hauser & Wirth, The Broad, and the smaller Arts District galleries are amazing places to explore.

And to really get a feel for the city, I’d tell them to spend time in different neighborhoods—Brentwood, Studio City, the Arts District, Venice, Malibu. Each one has its own rhythm and shows what everyday life in L.A. is like.

That’s the version of L.A. I’d share: movement, food, art, and neighborhoods with personality.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish any of what I have now without the support of my family and friends. Nothing I do—personally or professionally—happens in isolation. I’ve brainstormed, broken down, rebuilt, and worked through incredibly difficult, challenging, and rewarding seasons because of the people around me.

Every person I’ve met along the way while building (and continually rebuilding) this path has influenced me in ways I can’t fully put into words. Every situation, every experience has helped me get to where I am now and will continue to guide me moving forward. That’s life. As cliché as it sounds, it really does come down to the people you surround yourself with—those who stay for the long haul and those who were only there briefly.

All of these moments have given me support, perspective, and fuel to keep becoming the version of myself I’m striving toward. I truly need to thank everyone I’ve talked to—even in brief conversations—about myself and my business. Each interaction has shaped me in one way or another.

Website: pilatesfuerza.com

Instagram: @fuerza.pilates and @pilateswithnickylal — depending on when you publish this article, I may be using only @fuerza.pilates as my primary (and only) IG handle. Please double-check before it goes live.

Other: @fuerza.pilates and @pilateswithnickylal — depending on when you publish this article, I may be using only @fuerza.pilates as my primary (and only) IG handle. Please double-check before it goes live.

Image Credits
my photographer Michael Rhine

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